Foundations of the Science of Reading for Public Library Professionals (a two-part webinar series)

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 and

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

2:00 - 3:00 PM ET
The Reading League advances the awareness, understanding, and use of evidence-aligned reading instruction. This two-part webinar series* will be taking a deeper dive into the "Science of Reading" and how libraries can help support best practices for early literacy development. The Science of Reading embodies over 40 years of research findings from multiple fields of study that shine a light on key fundamental principles of reading instruction. In the Foundations of the Science of Reading session, participants will learn about three "anchors" that have emerged from this research. These include:

 *This webinar will be recorded for registrants, but live attendance is encouraged for an engaging conversation. 

This project is made possible by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan.

Thursday, December 4, 2025
10:00 am - 4:30 pm ET
Library of Michigan - 2^nd Floor Lake Erie Room
Lunch will be provided by the Library of Michigan Foundation

We still have a few seats available!!! The dinosaurs are coming in 2026! Join us in-person as we gather to view the Collaborative Summer Library Program's annual virtual Summer Symposium all about Unearth a Story(™). We will start the day with a conversation around summer library programming best practices, before tuning into the opening Keynote with Dan Santat. Between sessions we will "unearth" ideas on programming, have a couple of hands-on crafts, and more. Participants are encouraged to bring ideas to share. Last chance to  register now and you can view the draft agenda for the in-person day. 

Can't make it in-person but still want to watch the virtual CSLP Summer Symposium? You can register with CSLP to watch the Summer Symposium live or request the recordings for a later date. Keynote speaker will be Dan Santat, plus Michigan's own Detroit Zoo will be presenting a panel with great STEM ideas!

This program is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Resources

StarNet's Science Across America!

As America celebrates its 250-year anniversary, HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and STAR Net have launched a new campaign to help libraries highlight the history of scientific achievement in our country, and the local connections to science in our communities. SCIENCE ACROSS AMERICA, the newest campaign from Spark of Science@ My Library, invites libraries to showcase local scientific advances and scientists, engage your communities with focused Community Dialogues, and host educational and inspirational activities that shine a light on the past, present, and future of science in our lives.

Pre-Application Webinar: An optional pre-application webinar where we will discuss the application and answer any questions will be held on December 3rd, 2025, at 4pm ET. You may register for the webinar at this link. 

Mattering in Early Childhood: Building a Strong Foundation for Life

Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University

Explore how mattering affects children's lifelong health and well-being, and learn concrete tips for promoting a sense of mattering in young children. In our new paper, co-authored with Jennifer B. Wallace, award-winning journalist, and founder of the Mattering Institute who has written extensively on mattering, we explore the science around mattering in early childhood as well as concrete strategies for building a sense of mattering in young children.

Sunshine & Stories Podcast 
Episode 205: Compassionate Makerspace Projects

The 7 Types of Rest Librarians Actually Need and How to Get Them - Bobbie L. Newman Blog, 11/6/25

Next Michigan superintendent vows to take ‘students first’ mission statewide - MI Bridge, 11/20/25

Cathy Lancaster

Youth Services Coordinator

Library of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48915
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org to learn more.

LancasterC5@michigan.gov | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan
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